Neck strap with integrated wire

ABSTRACT

A strap for carrying a portable electronic apparatus, such as a telephone, around the neck of a user is disclosed. The strap has an elongate element ( 100 ) for positioning around the neck of the user. The elongate element ( 100 ) has a longitudinal channel ( 110 ) shaped to releasably retain a wire connecting an accessory to the apparatus.

[0001] The present invention relates to a strap for carrying a portable electronic device around the neck of a user. It finds particular utility in the field of portable radio telephones, especially telephones incorporating music playback equipment, such as an integrated MP3 player.

[0002] Prior art portable telephones from the late 1980s until the mid 1990s tended to be quite bulky, and were generally carried around as discrete articles, or in a briefcase. As advances in technology have resulted in ever smaller portable devices equipped with ever more features, users can now carry their portable telephones in a pocket or attached to a belt.

[0003] Some of the features which can now be found incorporated into portable telephones include personal organisers, web-browsers and music playback equipment, such as an MP3 player.

[0004] It is quite customary to provide a headset having an earpiece with an integrated in-line microphone so that the portable telephone can be used in hands-free mode, for instance if the user is driving. The in-line microphone is positioned on the wire connecting the earpiece to the connector, and is intended to hang in a position suitable for picking up the user's voice.

[0005] To benefit from the stereo sound available from currently available portable telephones equipped with music playback functionality, it is necessary to provide two earpieces to carry the left and right channel audio signals.

[0006] Among some regional markets, particularly Japan, there is an increasing trend for users of portable telephones to carry their telephone on a cord which enables the telephone to worn around the neck.

[0007] While such an arrangement ensures that the telephone is always to hand, and less likely to be misplaced, it poses a problem. With the increased connections required for accessories such as earpieces, microphones and remote controls, it is easy for the neck strap to become entangled with the various wires associated with the accessories. This situation can be particularly problematic if the user is not currently using the earpieces, at which time they will hang from the telephone and be prone to snag on objects and become tangled as the user walks around. Such entanglement can be inconvenient and may damage the wires and accessories.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a strap for carrying a portable electronic apparatus around the neck of a user, comprising: an elongate element for positioning around the neck of the user, the elongate element comprising a longitudinal channel shaped to releasably retain a wire connecting an accessory to the apparatus.

[0009] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide a convenient means, namely a neck strap, by which users of portable electronic equipment, particularly equipment having a music playback facility, can carry the said equipment about their person, with a reduced risk of any wires or cables, associated with the equipment and accessories, becoming entangled and possibly damaged.

[0010] A typical accessory for use with the portable electronic equipment is a headset. The headset may comprise one or two earpieces. It may additionally include an in-line microphone to enable the user to make hands free telephone calls. The headset may also advantageously include an in-line remote control which can be used to control certain functions of the telephone or music player.

[0011] The wires or cables which connect an accessory to the portable equipment may be stowed securely in channels provided in the neckstrap. In this way, the wires are positioned so that they are less likely to become entangled and possibly damaged. The user is able to remove the wires and earpieces from the neckstrap when he wishes to make use of the accessory. The channels are shaped to allow wires to be easily retained within them, but also to allow easy removal by the user when necessary. A preferred channel has a generally c-shaped cross section, the extremities of the c-shape forming a resilient enclosure for the wire.

[0012] Preferably, the neck strap is provided with one or more channels which function to capture the wire and hold it captive until removed by the user.

[0013] Preferably, the neck strap is provided with a pair of channels so that wires associated with a pair of stereophonic earpieces can be accommodated. The channels may be configured to run from a fixed attachment point on the neck strap. Preferably, the channels may be configured to run from a central point towards the two endpoints.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, recesses are additionally provided which accommodate the earpiece or earpieces of a headset. The recesses act in a similar way to the longitudinal channels in that they are formed from the same resilient material, and act to grip the earpiece in position when stowed away. To release the earpiece, the user simply has to pull it away from the neck strap.

[0015] Advantageously, the neck strap comprises mouldings or recesses shaped to accommodate specific corresponding elements which form part of the accessory. Preferred embodiments have recesses for accommodating earpieces, microphones and remote controls for a headset for use with a portable telephone, but other elements can be envisaged.

[0016] Preferably, the strap includes a stud-like member, for coupling with a mating part on the accessory, which secures the accessory to the neck strap. In this way, the relative position of the accessory to the neck strap may be maintained, ensuring that the earpiece or earpieces are positioned correctly for retention by the recesses provided.

[0017] A suitable technique for manufacturing the elongate element is moulding using a suitable material such as a thermoplastic elastomer or rubber-like substance.

[0018] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to understand how the same may be brought into effect, the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 shows a view of a neck strap according to embodiments of the invention together with a separate headset accessory; and

[0020]FIG. 2 shows a view of a neck strap according to embodiments of the invention with the headset accessory attached.

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a neck strap 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The neck strap is constructed from a relatively flexible thermo-plastic elastomeric material. A suitable technique for manufacture of the material uses a moulding process. The neckstrap is moulded as a unitary part.

[0022] The neck strap 100 is connected to the portable apparatus at its end points 150. The means of connection is described later.

[0023] The neck strap 100 has a pair of longitudinal channels 110 running from a midpoint 140 of the strap towards the endpoints 150. The channels 110 provide a resilient chamber for receiving the wires associated with accessory 200. The channels have a cross section approximating to a ‘C’ shape. This shape enables the wire to be easily inserted and retained in the channel, but also allows it to be easily removed from the resilient closing provided by the extremities of the ‘C’ shaped channel.

[0024] The accessory 200 comprises a pair of stereophonic earpieces 220 and an in-line microphone 230. These are connected via wires which run to a connector 210 which connects the accessory to a portable telephone.

[0025] The accessory is mechanically connected to the neck strap at locator stud 140 by a mating part 240. In this way, the position of the accessory 200 relative to the neck strap 100 can be maintained. The locator stud 140 is a rigid part added to the neck strap to enable an accessory to be mechanically coupled to the neck strap. The mating part 240 is integrally formed with the accessory. It is relatively resilient and attaches to the stud 140 by a snap-fit connection. The distance from the locating stud 140 and each recess 120 is matched by the distance from mating part 240 to each earpiece 220.

[0026] When the user is listening to the audio player, which forms part of his portable telephone, the earpieces 220 are positioned in his ears. However, when he has finished listening to the audio player, he can remove the earpieces 220 and insert them into the recesses 120, which form part of the neck strap. The wires connecting the earpieces can similarly be located in channels 110.

[0027] The recesses 120 and channels 110, as they are formed from a relatively flexible elastomeric material, provide a means by which the earpieces or wires can be releasably retained within a resilient medium. This allows for them to be easily removed when so desired by simply pulling them away from the neck strap.

[0028] When the headset accessory 200 is not in use, then the wires and earpieces 220 are conveniently and tidily stored in the recesses 120 and channels 110. The neck strap and accessory appear to completely integrated, with no loose wires or parts hanging free to become entangled or damaged.

[0029] When the headset accessory 200 is in use, then the earpieces 220 are removed from the recesses 120 and positioned in the user's ears. The wire from the in-line microphone 230 and onward to the locating part 240 is meanwhile retained within a channel 110, and kept conveniently secure.

[0030]FIG. 2 shows the neck strap 100 when the headset accessory 200 has been stowed. The left hand side of the drawing, as shown, portrays the earpiece and wire in the fully stowed position. The right hand side of the drawing shows the wire prior to retention in the channel 110. Earpieces 220 are held in place in recesses 120 by the resilient nature of the material making up the neck strap 100. Likewise, the wires are held in place in channels 110.

[0031] The neck strap is attached to a portable telephone at its endpoints 150. The portable telephone (not shown) comprises a pair of cords, each terminated in an elongate metal plug (not shown) having a somewhat bulbous end.

[0032] The plugs are inserted into a hollow portion or recess provided for this purpose at the endpoints 150 of the neck strap. The resilient nature of the neck strap material ensures that the mating connection is secure and will not easily separate. However, if the neck strap is caught, for instance in a door, the plugs will come free, thus limiting the risk of possible injury to the user.

[0033] Use of such a connection system allows a variety of different models of telephone to use the same neck strap.

[0034] Other connection methods are possible. For instance, the neck strap can be provided with a sprung clip at each of its endpoints which can be attached to appropriate parts of a portable telephone. The skilled man will be aware of a number of alternative schemes which achieve the desired effect.

[0035] The present invention includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigates any or all of the problems addressed. 

1. A strap for carrying a portable electronic apparatus around the neck of a user, comprising: an elongate element for positioning around the neck of the user, the elongate element comprising a longitudinal channel shaped to releasably retain a wire connecting an accessory to the apparatus.
 2. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal channel runs from a mid point of the elongate element towards an end point.
 3. A strap as claimed in claim 2 comprising a pair of longitudinal channels.
 4. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal channel is generally c-shaped in cross section.
 5. A strap as claimed in ceding claim 1 wherein the accessory is a headset and the elongate element comprises a recess for releasably retaining an earpiece.
 6. A strap as claimed in claim 5 wherein the elongate element comprises a recess for releasably retaining an in-line microphone.
 7. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element comprises means for securely attaching the accessory.
 8. A strap as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means for securely attaching the accessory comprises a stud positioned substantially midway along the length of the elongate element.
 9. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element is a unitary part.
 10. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element is a moulded part.
 11. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element comprises a thermo-plastic elastomer.
 12. A strap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate element comprises a recess at an endpoint for coupling with a mating part and for attaching the portable electronic apparatus.
 13. (CANCELED) 